Factors affecting pharmacology learning in integrated PBL in diverse medical students: a mixed methods study.

INTRODUCTION: Problem-based learning (PBL) was introduced to address passive teaching limitations. However, it is not fully characterised as a teaching modality in pharmacology. The present study investigated the factors affecting pharmacology learning in an integrated PBL-based curriculum in diverse learners. METHODS: Year 1 undergraduate medical students from two cohorts at St. George's University of London and University of Nicosia, participated. Statistical analysis of pharmacology knowledge scores, at the beginning (pre-test) and end of the academic year (post-test), investigated readiness to benefit from PBL based on diverse student characteristics (educational background, age, gender, country of origin, ethnicity, native language, PBL experience). Focus groups/interviews and a survey investigated aspects of integrated PBL impacting learning in depth. RESULTS: Pre- and post-test scores were positively correlated. Students with biomedical sciences degrees performed better at the pharmacology pre- and post-tests, while post-graduate degree holders performed better only at the pre-test. Effect size was of moderate magnitude. However, progress in learning (post-test performance after controlling for pre-test scores) was unaffected. Qualitative analysis revealed three major themes: 1) PBL as a learning environment; 2) PBL as a learning environment in pharmacology; and 3) PBL as a learning environment and confidence in prescribing. Under theme one, skill development, knowledge acquisition through collaboration and self-directed learning, group dynamics and preferred teaching methods were discussed. Under theme two, contextual learning, depth of knowledge and material correctness were raised. Under theme 3, students expressed variability in prescribing confidence. They perceived that learning could be improved by better integration, further references earlier on, more lectures and PBL facilitators with greater content expertise. The survey findings were consistent with those from focus groups/interviews. CONCLUSION: Pharmacology learning in a PBL-based curriculum is facilitated by constructive, collaborative and contextual learning. While baseline pharmacology knowledge may be advantageous, the other aforementioned characteristics studied may not affect readiness to benefit from PBL. However, further instructional scaffolding is needed, for example through further resources, lectures and self-assessment. The results from our study can inform evidence-based curriculum reform to support student learning further. Addressing learning needs could ultimately contribute to reducing medication errors through effective training of future prescribers.

'Urgent suspicion of cancer' referrals to a head and neck clinic - what do patients expect?

BACKGROUND: Public awareness of 'red flag' symptoms for head and neck cancer is low. There is a lack of evidence regarding patient concerns and expectations in consultations for cancer assessment. METHOD: This prospective questionnaire study examined the symptoms, concerns and expectations of 250 consecutive patients attending an 'urgent suspicion of cancer' clinic at a tertiary referral centre. RESULTS: The patients' most frequent responses regarding their concerns were 'no concerns' (n = 72, 29 per cent); 'all symptoms' were a cause for concern (n = 65, 26 per cent) and 'neck lump' was a symptom causing concern (n = 37, 17 per cent). The expectations of patients attending clinic were that they would find out what was wrong with them, followed by having no expectations at all. Overall patient knowledge of red flag symptoms was lacking and their expectations were low. CONCLUSION: Patients with non-cancer symptoms are frequently referred with suspected cancer. Patients with red flag symptoms are not aware of their significance and they have low expectations of healthcare.

Simulation training in laser safety education: the use of technical and non-technical skills simulation in a comprehensive laser safety course.

OBJECTIVE: The completion of a laser safety course remains a core surgical curriculum requirement for otolaryngologists training in the UK. This project aimed to develop a comprehensive laser safety course utilising both technical and non-technical skills simulation. METHODS: Otolaryngology trainees and consultants from the West of Scotland Deanery attended a 1-day course comprising lectures, two high-fidelity simulation scenarios and a technical simulation of safe laser use in practice. RESULTS: The course, and in particular the use of simulation training, received excellent feedback from otolaryngology trainees and consultants who participated. Both simulation scenarios were validated for future use in laser simulation. CONCLUSION: The course has been recognised as a laser safety course sufficient for the otolaryngology Certificate of Completion of Training. To the authors' knowledge, this article represents the first description of using in situ non-technical skills simulation training for teaching laser use in otolaryngology.

A standardised pathway for the surveillance of stable vestibular schwannoma.

Introduction Conservative management of patients with a stable vestibular schwannoma (VS) places a significant burden on National Health Service (NHS) resources and yet patients' surveillance management is often inconsistent. Our unit has developed a standardised pathway to guide surveillance imaging of patients with stable VS. In this article, we provide the basis for our imaging protocol by reviewing the measurement, natural history and growth patterns of VS, and we present a cost analysis of implementing the pathway both regionally and nationally. Methods Patients with an extrameatal VS measuring ≤20mm in maximal diameter receive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) six months after their index imaging, followed by three annual MRI scans, two two-year interval MRI scans, a single three-year interval MRI scan and then five-yearly MRI scans to be continued lifelong. Patients with purely intrameatal tumours follow the same protocol but the initial six-month imaging is omitted. A cost analysis of the new pathway was modelled on our unit's retrospective data for 2015 and extrapolated to reflect the cost of VS surveillance nationally. Results Based on an estimation that imaging surveillance would last approximately 25 years (+/- 10 years), the cost of implementing our regional surveillance programme would be £151,011 per year (for 99 new referrals per year) and it would cost the NHS £1,982,968 per year if implemented nationally. Conclusions A standardised surveillance pathway promotes safe practice in the conservative management of VS. The estimated cost of a national surveillance programme compares favourably with other tumour surveillance initiatives, and would enable the NHS to provide a safe and economical service to patients with VS.

Nasopharyngeal cancer incidence and survival in Scotland, 1975-2001.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate trends in the incidence of, and survival from, nasopharyngeal cancer in Scotland during the period 1975-2001. DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiological study. SETTING: Scotland. PARTICIPANTS: The anonymised records of 556 patients diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer (ICD-9 147; ICD-10 C11) in Scotland between 1975 and 2001, and held on the Scottish Cancer Registry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence rates, and relative survival at 1, 3 and 5 years for defined age groups and time periods. RESULTS: There was no clear trend in age-standardised incidence rates of nasopharyngeal cancer throughout the study period, although age-specific incidence rates do suggest a downward trend among older age groups, especially in men. The trend in incidence with deprivation was significant for both males (P = 0.011) and females (P = 0.004). Survival from nasopharyngeal cancer has improved for all age groups over time, although survival still decreases with age. In the 15-44 age group, 5 year relative survival was 84% in patients diagnosed during 1995-2001 compared to 46% in those diagnosed during 1975-1979. Survival was higher among patients from the most affluent quintile (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: In Scotland, age-standardised incidence rates of nasopharyngeal cancer have remained relatively stable over the last 25 years. Survival has improved across all age groups in recent years, but is higher in younger patients, and in residents of the most affluent socio-economic areas.

Prediction of progression in pTa and pT1 bladder carcinomas with p53, p16 and pRb.

Currently available prognostic tools appear unable to adequately predict recurrence and progression in non muscle-invasive bladder carcinomas. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of immunohistochemical evaluation of the cell cycle markers p53, p16 and pRb. Paraffin blocks were obtained from 78 cases of pTa and pT1 transitional cell carcinomas, for which long-term follow-up was available. Representative sections were stained using antibodies against p53, p16 and pRb. Altered marker expression was found in 45, 17 and 30% of cases, respectively. Concurrent alteration of two or three markers occurred in 19% of cases, and was significantly associated with grade and stage. In univariate survival analysis, the concurrent alteration of any two markers was significantly associated with progression. The greatest risk was produced by alteration of both p53 and p16, which increased the risk of progression by 14.45 times (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.10-67.35). After adjusting for grade and stage, this risk was 7.73 (CI 1.13-52.70). The markers did not generally predict tumour recurrence, except in the 25 pT1 tumours. In these, p16 alteration was associated with a univariate risk of 2.83 (CI 1.01-7.91), and concurrent p53 and p16 alteration with a risk of 9.29 (CI 1.24-69.50). Overall, we conclude that the immunohistochemical evaluation of p53 and p16 may have independent prognostic value for disease progression, and may help guide management decisions in these tumours.